The Freeborn County Fair board of directors on Friday recognized a local man for his decades of dedication to the county’s fair.

During a brief ceremony at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds, the board announced it will rename the building used for 4-H livestock auctions as the Jan Reed Livestock Arena.

Board member Larry Irvine congratulated Reed and his family for their service at the fair and to the agriculture community.

Irvine said Reed, former owner of Hi-Yield Products, has played a part in the fair’s livestock sale for 40 years and has helped the sale become one of the best in the state.

Reed said he started 4-H in the 1950s and was a part of the Shell Rock Club, showing a dairy heifer.

From his experiences with both 4-H and the FFA, Reed said he learned he wanted a career in agriculture. He later acquired Hi-Yield, a fertilizer business, and is now retired and facing a terminal illness.

Reed encouraged local businesses to support the 4-H clubs about the importance of training leaders.